BEAD TYPES

 Today, we will  learn about some different types of bead.

The types of beads available to the bead jewelry maker, is nearly endless in both variety and beauty. Choosing the right beads for a project is essential. It is impossible to mention every bead available, so let us focus on the most common ones.

SEED BEADS

There are two types of seed beads
Japanese Miyuki Seed Beads are the most popular of all seed beads because of their consistent high quality. They are considered a "world standard" for their high quality, brilliance, and uniform shape. They have larger holes than Czech seed beads of the same size. They are cylindrical in shape and range in size from 6 (the largest) to 22 (the smallest).

Czech seed beads are preferred for some of the off-loom techniques because of their more round shape.They range in size from 7 to 20. They are usually more doughnut-shaped than Japanese beads.

Be sure to select all the same type of seed beads for your project, whether they are Czech or Japanese. Mixing different types of seed beads can cause unintentional bumps or lumps in your beadwork


PLASTIC BEADS

These are readily available and are inexpensive. They are used widely in making children's jewelry as they are safer and less easy to break.

METAL BEADS

These beads are created from various metals - Gold, silver, platinum, bronze and so on. 

BUGLE BEADS

These are long cylindrical beads available in a variety of colors, finishes and twists.  Take care when using them as they can have quite shape edges which could cut through thread. They are mainly used for edgings and fringes

GLASS BEADS

These beads come in an endless variety of shapes, designs and colors, and can be made into such shapes as seeds, tubes, bugles, rounds, ovals, bicones, and made to resemble melons, can be carved and painted on, and can even be coated to resemble pearls or made to resemble semiprecious stones.

CRYSTAL BEADS

These beads are more expensive to produce and are highly faceted, allowing light to enter them at different angles, resulting in brilliant flashes of light being given off .

PEARLS

These are always used to create elegant jewelry.



..............and so many more